Master the 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths – Learn Fast & Fun Tricks

Many children shy away from maths because it feels confusing or too fast to follow. But what if solving big sums could feel as simple as playing a game? That’s the magic of the 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths ancient techniques that make calculations quicker, easier, and even fun! In this blog, explore all 16 sutras, their meanings, easy tricks, and ways to remember them effortlessly. Discover how Vedic Maths turns fear into confidence and confusion into clarity. And for an even more exciting learning experience, try PlanetSpark’s fun-filled Vedic Maths classes today!

What Is Vedic Maths?

Vedic maths (often called Vedic Mathematics) is an ancient-inspired system of mental calculation that uses short, catchy formulae (known as sutras) to make arithmetic much faster, easier and more fun. Instead of labouring through long written steps, children can learn how to “see” patterns and apply a clever trick which means maths becomes less of a chore and more of a challenge. With the 16 sutras of Vedic maths, big multiplications, tricky divisions and square roots need not feel scary any more and that’s why it’s becoming increasingly popular in kids’ maths programmes.

List of All 16 Vedic Maths Sutras

Here is the full list of the 16 sutras of Vedic maths, with simple meanings for each one:

• 1. Ekadhikena Purvena – “By one more than the previous one”. 

• 2. Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah – “All from 9 and the last from 10”. 

• 3. Urdhva-Tiryagbyham – “Vertically and crosswise”. 

• 4. Paraavartya Yojayet – “Transpose and adjust”. 

• 5. Shunyam Saamyasamuccaye – “When the sum is the same, that sum is zero”. 

• 6. Anurupye Shunyamanyat – “If one is in ratio, the other is zero”. 

• 7. Sankalana-Vyavakalanabhyam – “By addition and by subtraction”.

• 8. Puranapuranabyham – “By the completion or non-completion”. 

• 9. Chalana-Kalanabyham – “Differences and similarities”. 

• 10. Yaavadunam – “Whatever the extent of its deficiency”. 

• 11. Vyasti-Samasti (Vyashtisamanstih) – “Part and whole”. 

• 12. Shesanyankena Charamena – “The remainders by the last digit”. 

• 13. Sopaantyadvayamantyam – “The ultimate and twice the penultimate”. 

• 14. Ekanyunena Purvena – “By one less than the previous one”. 

• 15. Gunitasamuchyah – “The product of the sum is the sum of the product”.

• 16. Gunakasamuchyah – “The factors of the sum is equal to the sum of the factors”.

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Easy Explanation of 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths with Examples

Here are the sutras broken into sub-groups and explained with child-friendly examples:

Sutras for Addition and Subtraction

• Sankalana-Vyavakalanabhyam (By addition and subtraction) – This helps in mental addition and subtraction by noting differences and similarities. For example, to add 49 + 53, notice 49 is 50-1, 53 is 50+3 → first 50+50=100, then (-1 +3)= +2 → total=102.

• Nikhilam Navatashcaramam Dashatah (All from 9 and last from 10) – Useful especially in subtraction. Example: 1000-647 → take all from 9 except last from10: 353 → so the result is 353.
  These tricks make subtraction and addition faster and more fun.

Sutras for Multiplication Tricks

• Ekadhikena Purvena (By one more than the previous one) – Great for squaring numbers ending in 5. Example: 25² → take 2, one more =3 → 2×3=6 → write 6 then 25 → answer: 625. 

• Urdhva-Tiryagbyham (Vertically and crosswise) – Useful for multiplying large numbers. Example: Multiply 23 × 12: (2×1)=2, then crosswise (2×2 +3×1)=4+3=7, then (3×2)=6 → result 276.

• Puranapuranabyham (By the completion or non-completion) – Use when numbers are near base values such as 100, 1000. E.g. 98×97 → difference from 100: 2 & 3 → subtract sum of deficiencies: 100 – (2+3)=95 → then multiply the deficiencies: 2×3=6 → answer: 9506.
  These sutras turn long multiplications into almost wow-fast moves.

Sutras for Division and Square Roots

• Ekanyunena Purvena (By one less than the previous one) – Helpful for division by numbers just less than base (like 9, 99). Example: To divide by 9, use 1 less than the previous etc.

• Yaavadunam (Whatever the extent of its deficiency) – Useful for square roots and numbers near base. Example: Find √(96×104) → both numbers are 100 ± something → quick method.

• Shesanyankena Charamena (The remainders by the last digit) – Good for checking divisibility and remainder problems.

• Gunitasamuchyah & Gunakasamuchyah – These are more algebraic but can help in division and factorisation contexts.

Paraavartya Yojayet (Transpose and adjust) – Use in certain division and algebra problems.
There’s a bit of algebra magic here, but with practice even young minds can enjoy the shortcut.

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Vedic Maths Tricks Every Kid Should Know

The 16 sutras of Vedic Maths hold smart techniques that make even the toughest sums feel simple. These tricks turn long calculations into short, easy steps, helping children solve problems quickly while enjoying the process. Based on the ancient sutras, each method develops speed, focus, and confidence. 

Let’s explore some of the best Vedic Maths tricks every kid should know.

1. “Ekādhikena Pūrvena” – By One More Than the Previous One

Use: To find squares of numbers ending in 5.
Example: 45²

• Take the first digit: 4

• Multiply it by one more: 4 × 5 = 20

• Then write “25” at the end → 2025

Trick Tip: Any number ending in 5 can be squared instantly using this sutra

2. “Nikhilam Navataścaramam Daśatah” – All from 9 and the Last from 10

Use: For subtraction and multiplication near powers of 10.
Example (Subtraction): 1000 − 456

• Subtract each digit from 9, and the last one from 10 → 544

Example (Multiplication): 98 × 97

• Base: 100

• Differences: 2 and 3

• Cross-subtract: 98 − 3 = 95

• Multiply differences: 2 × 3 = 6

• Answer: 9506

Trick Tip: Perfect for numbers close to 10, 100, or 1000.

3. “Urdhva-Tiryagbhyam” – Vertically and Crosswise

Use: For quick multiplication of two or three-digit numbers.
Example: 23 × 12

• Multiply vertically: 2 × 1 = 2

• Crosswise multiply and add: (2×2 + 3×1) = 7

• Multiply vertically: 3 × 2 = 6

• Final answer: 276

Trick Tip: Excellent for spotting patterns and improving multiplication speed.

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4. “Parāvartya Yojayet” – Transpose and Apply

Use: Simplifies division and algebraic equations.
Example: Dividing 1 by 19 gives recurring decimals, which can be found using pattern logic from this sutra.

Trick Tip: Builds deeper understanding of division and recurring decimals.

5. “Sunyam Samyasamuccaye” – If the Sum is the Same, that Sum is Zero

Use: To solve algebraic equations quickly.
Example:
If 3x + 2y = 7 and 2x + 3y = 7, since the sum of coefficients is equal (5 each), x = y.

Trick Tip: Simplifies equations in seconds and builds logical thinking.

6. “Anurupye Shunyamanyat” – If One is in Ratio, the Other is Zero

Use: Solves ratio-based equations easily.
Example: If x/y = a/b, then bx − ay = 0.

Trick Tip: Makes ratio problems clear and easy to handle.

7. “Shesanyankena Charamena” – Remainders by the Last Digit

Use: To find remainders without long division.
Example: Find the remainder when 358 is divided by 9.
Add digits → 3 + 5 + 8 = 16 → 1 + 6 = 7.
Remainder = 7.

Trick Tip: A fast and reliable way to check answers mentally.

8. “Sankalana Vyavakalanabhyam” – By Addition and by Subtraction

Use: Helps with quick addition and subtraction.
Example: (45 + 38) − (27 + 16)
Add big numbers first → 83 − 43 = 40

Trick Tip: Encourages smart grouping of numbers.

9. “Puranāpuranābhyām” – By Completion or Non-completion

Use: For multiplying numbers near a base.
Example: 102 × 98
Base = 100, Deviations = +2 and −2
Cross-subtract → 100
Multiply deviations → −4
Final Answer → 9996

Trick Tip: Builds mental agility for base-related calculations.

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10. “Chalana-Kalanābhyām” – Difference and Similarities

Use: Applies to advanced operations like differentiation and patterns in sequences.
Trick Tip: Strengthens observation and reasoning skills.

11. “Ekanyūnena Pūrvena” – By One Less than the Previous One

Use: Multiplying numbers ending in 9.
Example: 79 × 79
Previous = 8, One less = 7
Multiply 7×8=56, and add 41 (9×9=81) → 6241

Trick Tip: Perfect shortcut for squaring numbers ending with 9.

12. “Gunitasamuccayah” – The Whole Product Equals the Sum of the Products

Use: Speeds up factorisation and checking algebraic identities.
Trick Tip: Encourages quick pattern recognition in equations.

13. “Sopantyadvayamantyam” – The Ultimate and Twice the Penultimate

Use: Squaring large numbers mentally.
Example: 112² = (100 + 12)² = 100² + 2×100×12 + 12² = 12544

Trick Tip: Builds confidence with algebraic expansions.

14. “Gunakasamuccayah” – The Factors of the Sum are Equal to the Sum of the Factors

Use: For faster factorisation.
Trick Tip: Helps identify relationships between factors quickly.

15. “Vilokanam” – Observation

Use: Encourages solving through observation rather than memorisation.
Trick Tip: Makes maths intuitive and visual.

16. “Yaavadunam” – Whatever the Extent of Deficiency

Use: Multiplication of numbers below a power of 10.
Example: 97 × 96
Base = 100, Deficiencies = 3 and 4
97 − 4 = 93
3 × 4 = 12
Answer = 9312

Trick Tip: Turns complex multiplication into a quick base-related solution.

Every time a problem looks hard, remember: there’s always a Vedic trick to solve it!

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How to Remember All 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths Easily

Remembering all 16 sutras of Vedic Maths may sound tricky at first, especially with their long Sanskrit names. But with a few creative techniques, children can memorise them effortlessly —and even enjoy the process! The goal is to make learning playful, visual, and story-driven rather than rote memorisation. 

Here’s how students can remember all 16 Sutras of Vedic Maths easily:

• Understand, don’t memorise: Instead of rote learning, try to understand what each sutra means through examples.

• Group them by concept: Divide the sutras into categories addition/subtraction, multiplication, division, and algebra.

• Use visuals: Write each sutra on colourful flashcards with its meaning and an example on the back.

• Create rhymes or stories: Turn each sutra into a short rhyme or link it with a story that’s easy to recall.

• Relate to daily maths: Apply sutras while solving small maths problems like mental calculations or shopping totals.

• Practice one per day: Focus on one sutra daily learn its meaning, example, and how it simplifies a problem.

• Teach someone else: Explain the sutras to friends or siblings teaching reinforces memory.

• Use charts or posters: Stick a “16 Sutras of Vedic Maths” chart on your study wall for daily revision.

• Connect them to formulas: Relate each sutra to the NCERT formulas you already know to see how they fit together.

• Take quizzes: Test yourself weekly say the sutra’s name and recall its use or example.

• Learn with fun games: Try apps or online flashcard games that focus on Vedic Maths memory building.

• Revise regularly: Spend 5 minutes daily revising consistency helps long-term memory retention.

Common Myths About Vedic Maths

Let’s clear up some misunderstandings about Vedic maths:

• Myth: “It’s only for older students or geniuses.” Actually, Vedic maths suits kids aged 8-13 very well, because the tricks are intuitive and fun.

• Myth: “It replaces regular maths completely.” No, the 16 sutras of Vedic maths complement standard arithmetic and help children develop speed and flexibility, not replace fundamental concepts.

• Myth: “It’s too difficult or Sanskrit heavy.” While the sutra names are Sanskrit, their meanings are simple and kids learn them via games, stories and visuals especially when taught by a fun platform like PlanetSpark.

• Myth: “Only for arithmetic, not for algebra.” Actually, several sutras (such as Gunitasamuchyah, Gunakasamuchyah) apply to algebraic ideas too. 

By debunking these myths, more children feel confident to try Vedic maths without fear.

Learn Vedic Maths with PlanetSpark!

When a child enrols in the PlanetSpark maths course, the 16 sutras of Vedic maths become less of memorisation and more of a playful toolkit. 

The USPs of the PlanetSpark maths programme include:

• Interactive live classes tailored for children up to age 12–13, using fun visuals, games and peer interactions.

• Special modules that systematically teach each sutra of Vedic maths, practise exercises and speed-drills to build confidence and speed.

• Regular assessments and gamified progress tracking so children experience small wins and feel motivated.

• One-to-one attention from tutors who apply child-friendly language and avoid complicated jargon.

• Flexible scheduling and trial classes to allow families to explore before committing.

Master the Magic of Numbers with Vedic Maths

Vedic Maths isn’t just a set of ancient tricks it’s a fun, smart, and time-saving way to fall in love with numbers. By learning the 16 Sutras, children can calculate faster, understand concepts better, and build strong logical thinking skills. What makes it truly special is that it turns complex sums into exciting challenges, helping students gain confidence in solving problems mentally. Whether it’s quick multiplication, easy division, or simplifying algebra, Vedic Maths gives young learners the power to think beyond formulas.

If your child finds maths tricky or boring, it’s time to make it fun and engaging! PlanetSpark’s live maths classes help kids explore these Vedic techniques in an interactive, story-based way so they don’t just memorise formulas, they understand them. Discover the joy of effortless learning with PlanetSpark and watch your child fall in love with maths!